Proteolysis involving matrix metalloproteinase 13 (collagenase-3) is required for chondrocyte differentiation that is associated with matrix mineralization

Proteinases in the joint: clinical relevance of proteinases in joint destruction

Proteinases are involved in essential steps in cartilage and bone homeostasis. Consequently, efforts have been made to establish their potential role in the pathology of rheumatic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and spondyloarthritis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are sensitive markers of disease severity and response to treatment, and therefore they have potential in the assessment of rheumatic diseases. Despite disappointing early results with synthetic inhibitors of MMPs, there is still much scope for developing effective and safe MMPs inhibitors, and consequently to deliver new options to inhibit joint destruction.

Effect of a Type II Collagen Fragment on the Expression of Genes of the Extracellular Matrix in Cells of the Intervertebral Disc

Knowledge of factors regulating the turnover, repair, and degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is lacking. Although type II collagen (CII) fragments accumulate in the degenerative IVD, little is known of how they affect the degenerative process. A better understanding of the cellular interactions with fragments of matrix molecules are a key factor in promoting therapies for degenerative disc diseases. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of the CII (245-270) peptide on the expression of matrix molecules, proteinases, and interleukin genes in cells of the IVD. Cells isolated from the nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) of adult bovine tails were cultured up to 8 days in the absence (control) or presence of the CII (245-270) peptide. RT-PCR was used to analyze the expression of the different genes. Exposure of these cells to the CII (245-270) peptide led to a transient up-regulation of the aggrecan gene in AF cells while this up-regulation was maintained for a longer time in NP cells. The fragment also enhanced a transient up-regulation of the type II collagen gene in AF cells but had no effect in NP cells. The peptide enhanced transiently the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and cathepsin K genes in both AF and NP cells whereas it increased MMP-13 expression only in NP cells. The peptide up-regulated tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, TIMP-2, and TIMP-3 gene expression on day 1 in AF cells but had very little effect on their expression in NP cells. Finally, the CII (245-270) peptide had no effect on IL-6 expression while IL-1α was not expressed in these cells. In conclusion, our results showed that the CII (245-270) peptide differentially alter the expression of genes in bovine AF and NP cells and suggest that degradation products of collagen may be involved in the regulation of IVD homeostasis.

Distinct developmental changes in the distribution of calcium, phosphorus and sulphur during fetal growth-plate development

Gradients in the concentrations of free phosphate (Pi) and calcium (Ca) exist in fully developed growth zones of long bones and ribs, with the highest concentrations closest to the site of mineralization. As high concentrations of Pi and Ca induce chondrocyte maturation and apoptosis, it has been hypothesized that Ca and Pi drive chondrocyte differentiation in growth plates. This study aimed to determine whether gradients in the important spectral elements phosphorus (P), Ca and sulphur (S) are already present in early stages of development, or whether they gradually develop with maturation of the growth zone. We quantified the concentration profiles of Ca, P, S, chloride and potassium at four different stages of early development of the distal growth plates of the porcine femurs, using particle-induced X-ray emission and forward- and backward-scattering spectrometry with a nuclear microprobe. A Ca concentration gradient towards the mineralized area and a stepwise increase in S was found to develop slowly with tissue maturation. The increase in S co-localizes with the onset of proliferation. A P gradient was not detected in the earliest developmental stages. High Ca levels, which may induce chondrocyte maturation, are present near the mineralization front. As total P concentrations do not correspond with former free Pi measurements, we hypothesize that the increase of free Pi towards the bone-forming site results from enzymatic cleavage of bound phosphate.

[Use of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for ex vivo cartilage regeneration]

Articular cartilage disorders and injuries often result in lifelong chronic pain and compromised quality of life. When it comes to local articular cartilage defects, modern medicine is limited to short-term pain relief and inflammation control. In extreme cases the affected tissue is surgically removed and replaced by a synthetic prosthesis of limited durability. Cell-based therapies to regenerate articular cartilage have been in use since 1994. Such therapies provide a healthy population of cells to the injured site and require differentiated chondrocytes from the uninjured site as base material. Their usage often leads to donor site morbidity and they generate rigid fibrous cartilage where more flexible hyaline cartilage is required. The major restrictive factors for such methods are inadequate number and limited proliferation capacity of chondrocytes in vitro. Tissue engineering of adult marrow stromal cells/mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with their almost unlimited proliferation potential and proven capability to differentiate into chondrocytes for ex vivo generation of cartilage tissue still remains a vision. For optimal harnessing of MSCs as chondroprogenitor cells, basic background information regarding commitment to the lineage, cartilage differentiation and the regulatory factors and molecules involved is essential.

Soluble signalling factors derived from differentiated cartilage tissue affect chondrogenic differentiation of rat adult marrow stromal cells

BACKGROUND

Chondral defects show lack of proper regeneration whereas osteochondral lesions display limited regeneration capacity. Latter is probably due to immigration of chondroprogenitor cells from the subchondral bone. Known chondroprogenitor cells for cartilage tissues are multi-potent adult marrow stromal or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In vitro chondrogenic differentiation of these precursor cells usually require cues from growth and signalling factors provided in vivo by surrounding tissues and cells. We hypothesise that signalling factors secreted by differentiated cartilage tissue can initiate and maintain chondrogenic differentiation status of MSCs.

METHODS

To study such paracrine communication between allogenic rat articular cartilage and rat MSCs embedded in alginate beads a novel coculture system without addition of external growth factors has been established.

RESULTS

Impact of cartilage on differentiating MSCs was observed at two different time points. Firstly, sustained expression of Sox9 was observed at an early stage which indicated induction of chondrogenic differentiation. Secondly, late stage repression of collagen X indicated pre-hypertrophic arrest of differentiation. In the culture supernatant we have identified vascular endothelial growth factor alpha (VEGF-164 alpha), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -13 and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) which could be traced back either to the cartilage explant or to the MSCs under the influence of cartilage.

CONCLUSION

The identified factors might be involved in regulation of collagen X gene and protein expression and therefore, may have an impact on the control and regulation of MSCs differentiation.

Pulsed low intensity ultrasound enhances mineralisation in preosteoblast cells

Pulsed low intensity ultrasound has been shown to be highly efficacious in the treatment of nonunion fractures and in the acceleration of fresh fracture healing. MC3T3-E1 subclone 14 cells were cultured for up to 25 days either with or without a daily treatment with low intensity pulsed ultrasound. It was determined that, on day 10 there was a dramatic increase in alkaline phosphatase and MMP-13 mRNA levels detected in ultrasound-treated cultures compared with untreated controls. The activity of alkaline phosphatase was significantly increased at days 6, 8 and 10. On day 10, the amount of mineralisation within cultures, assessed using alizarin red staining, was significantly increased in ultrasound-treated cultures compared with untreated controls. These results suggest that one of the mechanisms that low intensity pulsed ultrasound has on fracture repair is to enhance the process of endochondral ossification where the soft callus is converted to mineralised hard callus.

In situ localization of gelatinolytic activity during development and resorption of Meckel's cartilage in mice

Degradation of Meckel's cartilage in the middle portion is accompanied by hypertrophy and death of chondrocytes, calcification of the cartilaginous matrix, and chondroclastic resorption. We hypothesize that the gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) largely contributes to the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the process. The activity in Meckel's cartilage of mouse mandibular arches at embryonic days 14-16 (E14-E16) was examined by a combination of in situ zymography (ISZ), using quenched fluorescent dye-labeled gelatin as a substrate, with CTT (a selective inhibitor of MMP-2 and -9) or with EDTA (a general MMP inhibitor). On E14 and E15, ISZ showed fluorescence in the perichondrium, in the intercellular septa between chondrocytes, and in the nucleus of chondrocytes. CTT attenuated fluorescence, and EDTA eliminated it. On E16, calcified cartilaginous matrix showed intense fluorescence, and dot-like fluorescence was observed in as-yet uncalcified intercellular septa, even after CTT treatment. EDTA inhibited fluorescence, but unexpectedly intense fluorescence was found in the cytoplasm of hypertrophic chondrocytes facing the resorption front. MMP-2, -9, and -13 immunoreactivity was detected in the perichondrium and chondrocytes of Meckel's cartilage. These findings suggest that MMPs and other proteinases capable of degrading gelatin play an integral role in the development, calcification, and resorption of Meckel's cartilage through ECM reconstitution.

The effect of synovial fluid from injured knee joints on in vitro chondrogenesis

Various in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that joint homeostasis may have a crucial effect on the quality of regeneration tissue resulting from cartilage tissue engineering techniques. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the effect of synovial fluid (SF) from injured knee joints on in vitro chondrogenesis. Chondrocytes were isolated from a healthy human femoral condyle (post-mortem) and expanded in monolayer for 2 passages. Subsequently, the chondrocytes were redifferentiated for 14 days on collagencoated filters, cultured either in the presence or absence of 10% SF. SF was obtained from 12 injured human knee joints. After 14 days of culture, SF supplementation resulted in a significant downregulation of final proteoglycan (PG) content (7.3 +/- 1.8 mg versus 15.6 +/- 1.3 mg; p = 0.0001), PG content normalized to DNA (0.7 +/- 0.5 mg/microg versus 3.0 +/- 0.6 mg/microg; p < 0.05), relative collagen type II mRNA levels normalized to GAPDH mRNA levels (0.2 +/- 0.3 versus 7.0 +/- 5.6; p < 0.001), and differentiation index (collagen type II/I mRNA ratio; 0.1 +/- 0.2 versus 6.0 +/- 2.9; p < 0.001) as compared to control culture conditions. Additionally, SF-supplemented media resulted in significantly increased cellularity, as reflected by DNA content, compared with control media (1,369 +/- 683 microg versus 514 +/- 72 microg; p < 0.0001). Morphology, and collagen type I, X, and aggrecan mRNA levels were not significantly affected. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that SF from injured human knee joints significantly affects in vitro chondrogenesis and therefore may provide a viable target for future improvement of ACT by refinement of culture techniques, patient selection, or pretreatment of affected joints to restore joint homeostasis.

A type II-collagen derived peptide and its nitrated form as new markers of inflammation and cartilage degradation in equine osteochondral lesions

Markers of cartilage breakdown enable studying the degradation of cartilage matrix in equine joint pathologies. This study was designed to determine the levels of Coll2-1, a peptide of the triple helix of type II collagen, and Coll2-1NO(2), its nitrated form in the plasma of healthy horses (controls; n=37) and horses suffering from osteochondrosis (n=34). Clinical and arthroscopic scores were attributed reflecting the severity of lesions and were related to the plasma levels of Coll2-1 and Coll2-1NO(2). The median of Coll2-1 was significantly higher in the control group, whereas the mean of Coll2-1NO(2) showed significant elevation in the pathological group. However, the measurement means of scoring classes did not vary significantly. The markers were able to differentiate the group of horses suffering from osteochondrosis from the group of healthy horses. The elevation of Coll2-1NO(2) in the pathological group indicates an inflammation, mediated through reactive oxygen species and/or increased myeloperoxidase activity.

Chondrocyte hypertrophy can be induced by a cryptic sequence of type II collagen and is accompanied by the induction of MMP-13 and collagenase activity: implications for development and arthritis

The objective of this study was to determine whether a peptide of type II collagen which can induce collagenase activity can also induce chondrocyte terminal differentiation (hypertrophy) in articulate cartilage. Full depth explants of normal adult bovine articular cartilage were cultured with or without a 24 mer synthetic peptide of type II collagen (residues 195-218) (CB12-II). Peptide CB12-II lacks any RGD sequence and is derived from the CB12 fragment of type II collagen. Type II collagen cleavage by collagenase was measured by ELISA in cartilage and medium. Real-time RT-PCR was used to analyze gene expression of the chondrocyte hypertrophy markers COL10A1 and MMP-13. Immunostaining for anti-Ki67, anti-PCNA, (proliferation markers), type X collagen, cleavage of type II collagen by collagenases (hypertrophy markers) and TUNEL staining (hypertrophy and apoptosis markers) were used to detect progressive maturational stages of chondrocyte hypertrophy. At high but naturally occurring concentrations (10 microM and up) the collagen peptide CB12-II induced an increase in the expression of MMP-13 (24 h) and cleavage of type II collagen by collagenase in the mid zone (day 4) and also in the superficial zone (day 6). Furthermore the peptide induced an increase in proliferation on day 1 in the mid and deep zones extending to the superficial zone by day 4. There was also upregulation of COL10A1 expression at day 4 and of type X staining in the mid zone extending to the superficial zone by day 6. Apoptotic cell death was increased by day 4 in the lower deep zone and also in the superficial zone at day 7. The increase in apoptosis in the deep zone was also seen in controls. Our results show that the induction of collagenase activity by a cryptic peptide sequence of type II collagen, is accompanied by chondrocyte hypertrophy and associated with cellular and matrix changes. This induction occurs in the mid and superficial zones of previously healthy articular cartilage. This response of the chondrocyte to a cryptic sequence of denatured type II collagen may play a role in naturally occurring hypertrophy in endochondral ossification and in the development of cartilage pathology in osteoarthritis.

Impact of expansion and redifferentiation conditions on chondrogenic capacity of cultured chondrocytes

Cartilage regeneration based on isolated and culture-expanded chondrocytes is studied in a variety of in vitro models, but with varying morphological quality of tissue synthesized. The goal of the present study was to investigate the extent of the influence of expansion and redifferentiation conditions on final tissue morphology by comparing 2 expansion and redifferentiation methods. Chondrocytes from 9 human donors were expanded in medium without growth factor supplementation (basic expansion condition [BEC]) or in medium with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) supplementation (growth factor supplemented expansion condition [GFSEC]). After expansion, cells were either redifferentiated in pellet culture or seeded on collagen type II-coated filters. Post-expansion mRNA levels of collagen type I and II and Sox-5, -6, and 9, measured by semiquantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), suggested that expansion in GFSEC results in increased dedifferentiation compared to BEC. However, after 28 days of redifferentiation culture, morphology of tissue synthesized by GFSEC-expanded chondrocytes scored significantly higher on the Bern scale compared to BEC (6.4 +/- 0.3 points vs. 4.5 +/- 0.3 points in pellet culture and 6.0 +/- 0.4 points vs. 4.5 +/- 0.3 points on collagen-coated filters; p < 0.05). Expansion in GFSEC compared to BEC increased proteoglycan (PG) synthesis rate at day 9 (4.0-fold in pellet culture and 1.9-fold on collagen-coated filters; p < 0.01), PG release (6.7-fold in pellet culture and 3.2-fold on collagen-coated filters; p < 0.001), and final PG content at day 28 (1.6-fold in pellet culture and 1.5-fold on collagen-coated filters; p < 0.05). Redifferentiation on collagen-coated filters compared to pellet culture increased PG synthesis rate at day 9 (5.2-fold in BEC-expanded chondrocytes and 2.6-fold in GFSEC-expanded chondrocytes; p < 0.01), PG release (4.2-fold in BEC-expanded chondrocytes and 3.1-fold in GFSECexpanded chondrocytes; p < 0.01), and final PG content (1.3-fold in BEC-expanded chondrocytes and 1.9- fold in GFSEC-expanded chondrocytes; p < 0.01). Moreover, as visualized via electron microscopy, chondrocytes and organization of extracellular matrix cultured on filters was more similar to those found for hyaline cartilage. In conclusion, chondrocyte expansion in GFSEC and redifferentiation on collagen-coated filters resulted in most optimal chondrogenesis.

Peptides of type II collagen can induce the cleavage of type II collagen and aggrecan in articular cartilage

The objective of this study was to determine whether a fragment(s) of type II collagen can induce cartilage degradation. Fragments generated by cyanogen bromide (CB) cleavage of purified bovine type II collagen were separated by HPLC. These fragments together with selected overlapping synthetic peptides were first analysed for their capacity to induce cleavage of type II collagen by collagenases in chondrocyte and explant cultures of healthy adult bovine articular cartilage. Collagen cleavage was measured by immunoassay and degradation of proteoglycan (mainly aggrecan) was determined by analysis of cleavage products of core protein by Western blotting. Gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-13 and MMP-1 was measured using Real-time PCR. Induction of denaturation of type II collagen in situ in cartilage matrix with exposure of the CB domain was identified with a polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies that only react with this domain in denatured but not native type II collagen. As well as the mixture of CB fragments and peptide CB12, a single synthetic peptide CB12-II (residues 195-218), but not synthetic peptide CB12-IV (residues 231-254), potently and consistently induced in explant cultures at 10 microM and 25 microM, in a time, cell and dose dependent manner, collagenase-induced cleavage of type II collagen accompanied by upregulation of MMP-13 expression but not MMP-1. In isolated chondrocyte cultures CB12-II induced very limited upregulation of MMP-13 as well as MMP-1 expression. Although this was accompanied by concomitant induction of cleavage of type II collagen by collagenases, this was not associated by aggrecan cleavage. Peptide CB12-IV, which had no effect on collagen cleavage, clearly induced aggrecanase specific cleavage of the core protein of this proteoglycan. Thus these events involving matrix molecule cleavage can importantly occur independently of each other, contrary to popular belief. Denaturation of type II collagen with exposure of the CB12-II domain was also shown to be much increased in osteoarthritic human cartilage compared to non-arthritic cartilage. These observations reveal that peptides of type II collagen, to which there is increased exposure in osteoarthritic cartilage, can when present in sufficient concentration induce cleavage of type II collagen (CB12-II) and aggrecan (CB12-IV) accompanied by increased expression of collagenases. Such increased concentrations of denatured collagen are present in adult and osteoarthritic cartilages and the exposure of chondrocytes to the sequences they encode, either in soluble or more likely insoluble form, may therefore play a role in the excessive resorption of matrix molecules that is seen in arthritis and development.

Where tendons and ligaments meet bone: attachment sites ('entheses') in relation to exercise and/or mechanical load

Entheses (insertion sites, osteotendinous junctions, osteoligamentous junctions) are sites of stress concentration at the region where tendons and ligaments attach to bone. Consequently, they are commonly subject to overuse injuries (enthesopathies) that are well documented in a number of sports. In this review, we focus on the structure-function correlations of entheses on both the hard and the soft tissue sides of the junction. Particular attention is paid to mechanical factors that influence form and function and thus to exploring the relationship between entheses and exercise. The molecular parameters indicative of adaptation to mechanical stress are evaluated, and the basis on which entheses are classified is explained. The application of the 'enthesis organ' concept (a collection of tissues adjacent to the enthesis itself, which jointly serve the common function of stress dissipation) to understanding enthesopathies is considered and novel roles of adipose tissue at entheses are reviewed. A distinction is made between different locations of fat at entheses, and possible functions include space-filling and proprioception. The basic anchorage role of entheses is considered in detail and comparisons are explored between entheses and other biological 'anchorage' sites. The ability of entheses for self-repair is emphasized and a range of enthesopathies common in sport are reviewed (e.g. tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, jumper's knee, plantar fasciitis and Achilles insertional tendinopathies). Attention is drawn to the degenerative, rather than inflammatory, nature of most enthesopathies in sport. The biomechanical factors contributing to the development of enthesopathies are reviewed and the importance of considering the muscle-tendon-bone unit as a whole is recognized. Bony spur formation is assessed in relation to other changes at entheses which parallel those in osteoarthritic synovial joints.

Transforming growth factor-beta2 suppresses collagen cleavage in cultured human osteoarthritic cartilage, reduces expression of genes associated with chondrocyte hypertrophy and degradation, and increases prostaglandin E(2) production

Articular cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis (OA) involves type II collagen degradation and chondrocyte differentiation (hypertrophy). Because these changes resemble growth plate remodeling, we hypothesized that collagen degradation may be inhibitable by growth factors known to suppress growth plate hypertrophy, namely transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta2, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, and insulin. Full-depth explants of human OA knee articular cartilage from arthroplasty were cultured with TGF-beta2, FGF-2, and insulin in combination (growth factors) or individually. In cultured explants from five OA patients, collagenase-mediated type II collagen cleavage was significantly down-regulated by combined growth factors as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Individually, FGF-2 and insulin failed to inhibit collagen cleavage in some OA explants whereas TGF-beta2 reduced collagen cleavage in these 5 explants and in 19 additional explants. Moreover, TGF-beta2 effectively suppressed cleavage at low concentrations. Together or individually these growth factors did not inhibit glycosaminoglycan (primarily aggrecan) degradation while TGF-beta2 occasionally did. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction of articular cartilage from six OA patients revealed that TGF-beta2 suppressed expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 and matrix metalloproteinase-9, early (PTHrP) and late (COL10A1) differentiation-related genes, and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha). In contrast, TGF-beta2 up-regulated PGES-1 expression and prostaglandin E(2) release. These observations show that TGF-beta2 can suppress collagen resorption and chondrocyte differentiation in OA cartilage and that this may be mediated by prostaglandin E(2). Therefore TGF-beta2 could provide therapeutic control of type II collagen degeneration in OA.

Expression profiling of human fetal growth plate cartilage by EST sequencing

The differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into hypertrophic chondrocytes is an integral and multistep process important in pattern formation, endochondral ossification, and postnatal growth of the skeleton. In recent years, novel genes involved in these processes have been identified, but still only little is known about the large-scale gene expression profile during skeletal development. We initiated an expressed sequence tag (EST) project aiming at the identification of genes and pathways involved in this complex process. Candidate genes are expected to be of value for diagnosis and treatment of monogenic and multigenic heritable disorders of the skeleton. Here, we describe the sequences of 4,748 clones from a human growth plate cartilage cDNA library generated from 20 weeks prenatal-2 years postnatal specimens. In silico analysis of these sequences revealed 1,688 individual transcription units, corresponding to known (1,274) and to novel, yet uncharacterised potential genes (414). The tissue specificity of the library was reflected by its corresponding EST profile representing a total of approximately 10% proteins already shown to be involved in cartilage/bone development or homeostasis. The EST profile also reflects the developmental stage of the tissue with significant differences in the expression of matrix proteins compared to corresponding EST profiles from 8-12 and 12-20 week human fetal cartilage. Calculation of the relative frequency of transcripts in our cDNA library, as compared to their abundance in other EST datasets, revealed a set of approximately 200 genes, including 81 novel, yet uncharacterised genes, showing increased expression. These genes represent candidates for the large number of osteochondrodysplasias for which the causative gene defects have not yet been identified.

A novel role for GADD45beta as a mediator of MMP-13 gene expression during chondrocyte terminal differentiation

The growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible 45beta (GADD45beta) gene product has been implicated in the stress response, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Here we demonstrated the unexpected expression of GADD45beta in the embryonic growth plate and uncovered its novel role as an essential mediator of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) expression during terminal chondrocyte differentiation. We identified GADD45beta as a prominent early response gene induced by bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) through a Smad1/Runx2-dependent pathway. Because this pathway is involved in skeletal development, we examined mouse embryonic growth plates, and we observed expression of Gadd45beta mRNA coincident with Runx2 protein in pre-hypertrophic chondrocytes, whereas GADD45beta protein was localized prominently in the nucleus in late stage hypertrophic chondrocytes where Mmp-13 mRNA was expressed. In Gadd45beta(-/-) mouse embryos, defective mineralization and decreased bone growth accompanied deficient Mmp-13 and Col10a1 gene expression in the hypertrophic zone. Transduction of small interfering RNA-GADD45beta in epiphyseal chondrocytes in vitro blocked terminal differentiation and the associated expression of Mmp-13 and Col10a1 mRNA in vitro. Finally, GADD45beta stimulated MMP-13 promoter activity in chondrocytes through the JNK-mediated phosphorylation of JunD, partnered with Fra2, in synergy with Runx2. These observations indicated that GADD45beta plays an essential role during chondrocyte terminal differentiation.

Effect of cobalt and chromium ions on MMP-1, TIMP-1, and TNF-α gene expression in human U937 macrophages: A role for tyrosine kinases

Previous reports have suggested that the imbalance of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) activity may contribute to prosthetic loosening. However, the mechanisms controlling these enzymes in the periprosthetic environment is unknown. We examined the effect of Co2+ and Cr3+ ions on the expression of genes encoding MMP-1, one of the principal proteinases capable of degrading native fibrillar collagens in the extracellular matrix (ECM), its inhibitor TIMP-1, and TNF-alpha, a cytokine that plays a central role in the induction of implant osteolysis. Human U937 macrophages were incubated in suspension or on phosphorylcholine (PC)-polymer coated surfaces for 24h with Co2+ and Cr3+ ions. The level of mRNAs was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results show that both Co2+ and Cr3+ ions induce the expression of MMP-1, TIMP-1, and TNF-alpha mRNA in a dose-dependent manner in cell suspensions. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have different effects on these stimulatory effects. Indeed, genistein has only partial inhibitory effect on MMP-1 and TIMP-1, with even less effect on TNF-alpha expression. In contrast, herbimycin A completely blocks MMP-1 and TNF-alpha while partially inhibiting TIMP-1. However, Co2+ and Cr3+ ions had no effect on the expression of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in macrophages cultured on the PC-polymer, suggesting that the attachment of U937 macrophages to the PC-polymer surfaces may modify their gene expression. In fact, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 seems to be constitutively up-regulated in this condition. However, the effect of Co2+ and Cr3+ ions on macrophages cultured on PC-polymer coated surfaces is similar to what was observed in suspension. Together, these findings indicate that activation of MMP-1, TIMP-1, and TNF-alpha by Co2+ and Cr3+ ions is regulated by tyrosine kinases.

Integrin alpha1beta1 mediates collagen induction of MMP-13 expression in MC615 chondrocytes

During endochondral ossification, type I collagen is synthesized by osteoblasts together with some hypertrophic chondrocytes. Type I collagen has also been reported to be progressively synthesized in degenerative joints. Because Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) plays an active role in remodeling cartilage in fetal development and osteoarthritic cartilage, we investigated whether type I collagen could activate MMP-13 expression in chondrocytes. We used a well-established chondrocytic cell line (MC615) and we found that MMP-13 expression was induced in MC615 cells cultured in type I collagen gel. We also found that alpha1beta1 integrin, a major collagen receptor, was expressed by MC615 cells and we further assessed the role of alpha1beta1 integrin in conducting MMP-13 expression. Induction of MMP-13 expression by collagen was potently and synergistically inhibited by blocking antibodies against alpha1 and beta1 integrin subunits, indicating that alpha1beta1 integrin mediates the MMP-13-inducing cellular signal generated by three-dimensional type I collagen. We also determined that activities of tyrosine kinase and ERK and JNK MAP kinases were required for this collagen-induced MMP-13 expression. Interestingly, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 opposed this induction, an effect that may be related to a role of BMP-2 in the maintenance of cartilage matrix.

Localization of matrix metalloproteinases, (MMPs) their tissue inhibitors, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in growth plates of children and adolescents indicates a role for MMPs in human postnatal growth and skeletal maturation

Numerous studies have focused on the expression, regulation, and biological significance of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the growth plate. Findings in mouse knockout models and in vitro data from various species indicate that MMPs not only degrade extracellular matrix components but may regulate the activity of local growth factors. In this study we investigated the presence, distribution, and activity of various MMPs and inhibitors, tissue transglutaminase (tTG or TG2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the human child and adolescent growth plates by means of immunohistochemistry and gelatin zymography. Tissue was derived during orthopedic surgery (epiphysiodesis) in two prepubertal and four pubertal patients.MMP-2 and MMP-14 were present in reserve cell chondrocytes. MMP-14 was the most prominent MMP within all zones of the growth plate including proliferating chondrocytes. MMP-1 and MMP-13 (collagenases 1 and 3), MMP-9 (gelatinases B), MMP-10, and MMP-11 (stromelysins) and VEGF were positive in hypertrophic chondrocytes and osteoblasts. MMP-2 showed the same expression pattern but was negative in osteoblasts. Osteoclasts stained positive for MMP-9, MMP-2, and TG2. Tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1 was present in all zones of the growth plate, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts; TIMP-2 was found in hypertrophic chondrocytes and osteoblasts. In summary, the presence of MMPs, TIMPs, TG2, and VEGF in our study indicated that the MMPs are relevant in growth plate physiology during the postnatal period in humans. The specific location of MMP expression within the growth plate may be the basis for further studies on the role of MMPs in the local regulation of chondrocyte differentiation, proliferation, and ossification at the chondroosseus junction.

Galectin-3 is a downstream regulator of matrix metalloproteinase-9 function during endochondral bone formation

Endochondral bone formation is characterized by the progressive replacement of a cartilage anlagen by bone at the growth plate with a tight balance between the rates of chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, and cell death. Deficiency of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) leads to an accumulation of late hypertrophic chondrocytes. We found that galectin-3, an in vitro substrate of MMP-9, accumulates in the late hypertrophic chondrocytes and their surrounding extracellular matrix in the expanded hypertrophic cartilage zone. Treatment of wild-type embryonic metatarsals in culture with full-length galectin-3, but not galectin-3 cleaved by MMP-9, mimicked the embryonic phenotype of Mmp-9 null mice, with an increased hypertrophic zone and decreased osteoclast recruitment. These results indicate that extracellular galectin-3 could be an endogenous substrate of MMP-9 that acts downstream to regulate hypertrophic chondrocyte death and osteoclast recruitment during endochondral bone formation. Thus, the disruption of growth plate homeostasis in Mmp-9 null mice links galectin-3 and MMP-9 in the regulation of the clearance of late chondrocytes through regulation of their terminal differentiation.

Role of interleukin-8 in PiT-1 expression and CXCR1-mediated inorganic phosphate uptake in chondrocytes

OBJECTIVE

The proinflammatory chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) induces chondrocyte hypertrophy. Moreover, chondrocyte hypertrophy develops in situ in osteoarthritic (OA) articular cartilage and promotes dysregulated matrix repair and calcification. Growth plate chondrocyte hypertrophy is associated with expression of the type III sodium-dependent inorganic phosphate (Pi) cotransporter phosphate transporter/retrovirus receptor 1 (PiT-1). This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that IL-8 promotes chondrocyte hypertrophy by modulating chondrocyte PiT-1 expression and sodium-dependent Pi uptake, and to assess differential roles in this activity.

METHODS

The selective IL-8 receptor CXCR1 and the promiscuous chemokine receptor CXCR2 were used. Human knee OA cartilage, cultured normal bovine knee chondrocytes, and immortalized human articular chondrocytic CH-8 cells were transfected with CXCR1/CXCR2 chimeric receptors in which the 40-amino acid C-terminal cytosolic tail domains were swapped and site mutants of a CXCR1-specific region were generated.

RESULTS

Up-regulated PiT-1 expression was detected in OA cartilage. IL-8, but not IL-1 or the CXCR2 ligand growth-related oncogene alpha, induced PiT-1 expression and increased sodium-dependent Pi uptake by >40% in chondrocytes. The sodium/phosphate cotransport inhibitor phosphonoformic acid blocked IL-8-induced chondrocyte hypertrophic differentiation. Signaling mediated by kinase Pyk-2 was essential for IL-8 induction of PitT-1 expression and Pi uptake. Signaling through the TSYT(346-349) region of the CXCR1 cytosolic tail, a region divergent from the CXCR2 cytosolic tail, was essential for IL-8 to induce Pi uptake.

CONCLUSION

Our results link low-grade IL-8-mediated cartilaginous inflammation in OA to altered chondrocyte differentiation and disease progression through PiT-1 expression and sodium-dependent Pi uptake mediated by CXCR1 signaling.

The metalloproteinase MT1-MMP is required for normal development and maintenance of osteocyte processes in bone

The osteocyte is the terminally differentiated state of the osteogenic mesenchymal progenitor immobilized in the bone matrix. Despite their numerical prominence, little is known about osteocytes and their formation. Osteocytes are physically separated in the bone matrix but seemingly compensate for their seclusion from other cells by maintaining an elaborate network of cell processes through which they interact with other osteocytes and bone-lining cells at the periosteal and endosteal surfaces of the bone. This highly organized architecture suggests that osteocytes make an active contribution to the structure and maintenance of their environment rather than passively submitting to random embedding during bone growth or repair. The most abundant matrix protein in the osteocyte environment is type-I collagen and we demonstrate here that, in the mouse, osteocyte phenotype and the formation of osteocyte processes is highly dependent on continuous cleavage of type-I collagen. This collagenolytic activity and formation of osteocyte processes is dependent on matrix metalloproteinase activity. Specifically, a deficiency of membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase leads to disruption of collagen cleavage in osteocytes and ultimately to the loss of formation of osteocyte processes. Osteocytogenesis is thus an active invasive process requiring cleavage of collagen for maintenance of the osteocyte phenotype.

Regulation of MMP-13 expression by RUNX2 and FGF2 in osteoarthritic cartilage

OBJECTIVE

To understand the molecular mechanisms that lead to increased MMP-13 expression and cartilage degeneration during the progression of osteoarthritis (OA), we have investigated the expression of the transcription factor RUNX2 in OA cartilage and the regulation of MMP-13 expression by RUNX2 and FGF2 in articular chondrocytes.

DESIGN

RUNX2 and MMP-13 expression in human OA and control cartilage was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The effects of RUNX2 over-expression, with or without FGF2 treatment, on MMP-13 promoter activity and enzyme accumulation were measured in articular chondrocytes. Inhibitors of MEK/ERK were assayed for their ability to block FGF2 and RUNX2 up-regulation of the MMP-13 promoter. We analyzed RUNX2 phosphorylation in response to FGF2.

RESULTS

Fibrillated OA cartilage exhibited increased RUNX2 immunoreactivity when compared to control cartilage. RUNX2 co-localized with MMP-13 in clusters of chondrocytes in fibrillated OA cartilage. RUNX2 over-expression in cultured chondrocytes increased their responsiveness to FGF2 treatment, which led to increased MMP-13 expression. Inhibitors of MEK/ERK signaling blocked up-regulation of the MMP-13 promoter by RUNX2 and FGF2, and also blocked the activation of RUNX2 by FGF2. FGF2 treatment of articular chondrocytes increased RUNX2 phosphorylation approximately 2-fold.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased expression of RUNX2 in OA cartilage may contribute to increased expression of MMP-13. FGF2, which is present in OA synovial fluid, activated RUNX2 via the MEK/ERK pathway and increased MMP-13 expression. However, it is unlikely that RUNX2 is a substrate of ERK1/2. RUNX2 expression and activation may be a significant step in the progression of OA by promoting changes in gene expression and chondrocyte differentiation.

Genetically determined resistance to collagenase action augments interstitial collagen accumulation in atherosclerotic plaques

BACKGROUND

We hypothesized that collagenolytic activity produced by activated macrophages contributes to collagen loss and the subsequent instability of atheromatous lesions, a common trigger of acute coronary syndromes. However, no direct in vivo evidence links collagenases with the regulation of collagen content in atherosclerotic plaques.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To test the hypothesis that collagenases influence the structure of atheromata, we examined collagen accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions of apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (apoE-/-) that express collagenase-resistant collagen-I (ColR/R/apoE-/-, n=12) or wild-type collagen-expressing mice (Col+/+/apoE-/-, n=12). Aortic atheromata of both groups had similar sizes and numbers of macrophages, a major source of collagenases. However, aortic intimas from ColR/R/apoE-/- mice contained fewer smooth muscle cells, a source of collagen, probably because of decreased migration or proliferation or increased cell death. Despite reduced numbers of smooth muscle cells, atheromata of ColR/R/apoE-/- mice contained significantly more intimal collagen than did those of Col+/+/apoE-/- mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These results establish that collagenase action regulates plaque collagen turnover and smooth muscle cell accumulation.

Upregulated ank expression in osteoarthritis can promote both chondrocyte MMP-13 expression and calcification via chondrocyte extracellular PPi excess

OBJECTIVE

In idiopathic chondrocalcinosis and in osteoarthritis (OA), increased extracellular PP(i) (ecPP(i)) promotes calcification. In chromosome 5p-associated familial chondrocalcinotic degenerative arthropathy, certain mutations in the membrane protein ANK may chronically raise ecPP(i) via enhanced PP(i) channeling. Therefore, we assessed if dysregulated wild-type ANK expression could contribute to pathogenesis of idiopathic degenerative arthropathy through elevated ecPP(i).

DESIGN

Using cells with genetic alterations in expression of ANK and the PP(i)-generating nucleotide pyrophosphatase phosphodiestrase (NPP) PC-1, we examined how increased ANK expression elevates ecPPI, testing for codependent effects with PC-1. We also evaluated the effects of ANK expression on chondrocyte growth, matrix synthesis, and MMP-13 expression and we immunohistochemically examined ANK expression in situ in human knee OA cartilages.

RESULTS

Using cells expressing defective ANK, as well as PC-1 knockout cells, we demonstrated that ANK required PC-1 (and vice versa) to raise ecPP(i) and that the major ecPP(i) regulator TGFbeta required both ANK and PC-1 to elevate ecPP(i). Upregulation of wild-type ANK by transfection in normal chondrocytes not only raised ecPP(i) 5-fold to approximately 100nM but also directly stimulated matrix calcification and inhibited collagen and sulfated proteoglycans synthesis. In addition, upregulated ANK induced chondrocyte MMP-13, an effect that also was stimulated within 2h by treatment of chondrocytes with 100nM PP(i) alone. Finally, ANK expression was upregulated in situ in human knee OA cartilages.

CONCLUSION

Elevation of ecPP(i) by ANK critically requires the fraction of cellular PP(i) generated by PC-1. The upregulation of ANK expression in OA cartilage and the capacity of increased ANK expression to induce MMP-13 and to promote matrix loss suggest that increased ANK expression and ecPP(i) exert noxious effects in degenerative arthropathies beyond stimulation of calcification.

IL-8/CXCL8 and growth-related oncogene alpha/CXCL1 induce chondrocyte hypertrophic differentiation

Foci of chondrocyte hypertrophy that commonly develop in osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage can promote dysregulated matrix repair and pathologic calcification in OA. The closely related chemokines IL-8/CXCL8 and growth-related oncogene alpha (GROalpha)/CXCL1 and their receptors are up-regulated in OA cartilage chondrocytes. Because these chemokines regulate leukocyte activation through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, a pathway implicated in chondrocyte hypertrophic differentiation, we tested whether IL-8 and GROalpha promote chondrocyte hypertrophy. We observed that normal human and bovine primary articular chondrocytes expressed both IL-8Rs (CXCR1, CXCR2). IL-8 and the selective CXCR2 ligand GROalpha (10 ng/ml) induced tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 expression, markers of hypertrophy (type X collagen and MMP-13 expression, alkaline phosphatase activity), as well as matrix calcification. IL-8 and the selective CXCR2 ligand GROalpha also induced increased transamidation activity of chondrocyte transglutaminases (TGs), enzymes up-regulated in chondrocyte hypertrophy that have the potential to modulate differentiation and calcification. Under these conditions, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway signaling mediated induction of both type X collagen and TG activity. Studies using mouse knee chondrocytes lacking one of the two known articular chondrocyte-expressed TG isoenzymes (TG2) demonstrated that TG2 was essential for murine GROalpha homologue KC-induced TG activity and critically mediated induction by KC of type X collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-13, alkaline phosphatase, and calcification. In conclusion, IL-8 and GROalpha induce articular chondrocyte hypertrophy and calcification through p38 and TG2. Our results suggest a novel linkage between inflammation and altered differentiation of articular chondrocytes. Furthermore, CXCR2 and TG2 may be sites for intervention in the pathogenesis of OA.

Systemic and local regulation of the growth plate

The growth plate is the final target organ for longitudinal growth and results from chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. During the first year of life, longitudinal growth rates are high, followed by a decade of modest longitudinal growth. The age at onset of puberty and the growth rate during the pubertal growth spurt (which occurs under the influence of estrogens and GH) contribute to sex difference in final height between boys and girls. At the end of puberty, growth plates fuse, thereby ceasing longitudinal growth. It has been recognized that receptors for many hormones such as estrogen, GH, and glucocorticoids are present in or on growth plate chondrocytes, suggesting that these hormones may influence processes in the growth plate directly. Moreover, many growth factors, i.e., IGF-I, Indian hedgehog, PTHrP, fibroblast growth factors, bone morphogenetic proteins, and vascular endothelial growth factor, are now considered as crucial regulators of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. In this review, we present an update on the present perception of growth plate function and the regulation of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation by systemic and local regulators of which most are now related to human growth disorders.

Absence of transcription factor c-maf causes abnormal terminal differentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes during endochondral bone development

In this study, we report that the transcription factor c-Maf is required for normal chondrocyte differentiation during endochondral bone development. c-maf is expressed in hypertrophic chondrocytes during fetal development (E14.5-E18.5), with maximal expression in the tibia occurring at E15.5 and E16.5, in terminally differentiated chondrocytes. In c-maf-null mice, fetal bone length is decreased approximately 10%, and hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation is perturbed. There is an initial decrease in the number of mature hypertrophic chondrocytes at E15.5 in c-maf-null tibiae, with decreased expression domains of collagen X and osteopontin, markers of hypertrophic and terminal hypertrophic chondrocytes, respectively. By E16.5, there is an expanded domain of late hypertrophic, osteopontin-positive chondrocytes in the c-maf-/-. This accumulation of hypertrophic chondrocytes persists and is still observed at 4 weeks of age. These data suggest that c-Maf facilitates the initial chondrocyte terminal differentiation and influences the disappearance of hypertrophic chondrocytes. BrdU and TUNEL analyses show normal proliferation rate and apoptosis in the c-maf-null. There is a specific decrease in MMP-13 expression at E15.5 in the c-maf-null. MMP-13 is known to be regulated by AP-1 and may also be a target of c-Maf. Thus, cartilage is a novel system in which c-Maf acts during development, where c-Maf is required for normal chondrocyte differentiation.

Cyclic tensile strain and cyclic hydrostatic pressure differentially regulate expression of hypertrophic markers in primary chondrocytes

Endochondral ossification is regulated by many factors, including mechanical stimuli, which can suppress or accelerate chondrocyte maturation. Mathematical models of endochondral ossification have suggested that tension (or shear stress) can accelerate the formation of endochondral bone, while hydrostatic stress preserves the cartilage phenotype. The goal of this study was to test this hypothesis by examining the expression of hypertrophic chondrocyte markers (transcription factor Cbfa1, MMP-13, type X collagen, VEGF, CTGF) and cartilage matrix proteins under cyclic tension and cyclic hydrostatic pressure. Chondrocyte-seeded alginate constructs were exposed to one of the two loading modes for a period of 3 h per day for 3 days. Gene expression was analyzed using real-time RT-PCR. Cyclic tension upregulated the expression of Cbfa1, MMP-13, CTGF, type X collagen and VEGF and downregulated the expression of TIMP-1. Cyclic tension also upregulated the expression of type 2 collagen, COMP and lubricin, but did not change the expression of SOX9 and aggrecan. Cyclic hydrostatic pressure downregulated the expression of MMP-13 and type I collagen and upregulated expression of TIMP-1 compared to the unloaded controls. Hydrostatic pressure may slow chondrocyte differentiation and have a chondroprotective, anti-angiogenic influence on cartilage tissue. Our results suggest that cyclic tension activates the Cbfa1/MMP-13 pathway and increases the expression of terminal differentiation hypertrophic markers. Mammalian chondrocytes appear to have evolved complex mechanoresponsive mechanisms, the effects of which can be observed in the histomorphologic establishment of the cartilaginous skeleton during development and maturation.

Age-related changes in gene expression patterns of matrix metalloproteinases and their collagenous substrates in mandibular condylar cartilage in rats

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in physiological cartilage matrix remodelling as well as in pathological and invasive extracellular matrix remodelling of tissue. Age-related changes in the gene expression patterns of MMPs in mandibular condylar cartilages (MCCs) were analysed. We examined the gene expression patterns of Mmp-8 and -13 and their substrates, Col1a1, Col2a1 and Col10a1, in MCC of growing and ageing rats. Temporomandibular joints of male Wistar rats aged 4, 8, 16 and 32 weeks were subjected to in situ hybridization analysis. Histologically, MMCs showed characteristics of growth plate cartilage at ages 4 and 8 weeks, and more closely resembled articular cartilage thereafter. Mmp-8 was expressed in the cells in all cartilaginous cell layers at ages 4 and 8 weeks, and then was localized only in the mature cells at ages 16 and 32 weeks. Whereas Mmp-13 expression was limited to the lowermost hypertrophic chondrocytes in the growth stage, mature chondrocytes instead of hypertrophic chondrocytes expressed Mmp-13 in adult non-hypertrophic MCC. Because Mmp-8 and -13 expression overlapped with Col2a1 and Col10a1, chondrocytes could play a pivotal role in degradation as well as production of the cartilaginous matrix in MCC.

Distinct phases of coordinated early and late gene expression in growth plate chondrocytes in relationship to cell proliferation, matrix assembly, remodeling, and cell differentiation

Although much has been learned about growth plate development and chondrocyte gene expression during cellular maturation and matrix remodeling in the mouse, there has been a limited study of the interrelationships of gene expression between proteinases, growth factors, and other regulatory molecules in the mouse and in other species. Here we use RT-PCR of sequential transverse sections to examine the expression profiles of genes involved in chondrocyte growth, differentiation, matrix assembly, remodeling, and mineralization in the bovine proximal tibial growth plate. Specifically, we studied the expression of genes encoding COL2A1 and COL10A1, the latter a marker of cellular hypertrophy, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), MMP-13 and MMP-9, as well as the transcriptional factors, Sox9 and Cbfa1, the growth factors basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), transforming growth factor (TGF)beta1, and beta2, Indian hedgehog (Ihh), and the matrix protein osteocalcin. These were analyzed in relationship to cell division defined by cyclin B2 expression. Two peaks of gene expression activity were observed. One was transient, limited, and located immediately before and at the onset of cyclin B2 expression in the early proliferative zone. The other was generally much more pronounced and was located in the early hypertrophic zone. The upregulation of expression of COL2A1, its transcriptional activator Sox9, osteocalcin, MMP-13, and TGFbeta2 was observed immediately before and at the onset of cyclin B2 expression and also in the hypertrophic zones. The upregulation of COL10A1, Cbfa1, MMP-9, TGFbeta-1, and Ihh gene expression was associated exclusively with the terminal differentiation of chondrocytes at the time of mineral formation in the extracellular matrix. In contrast, bFGF and PTHrP expression was observed in association with the onset of cyclin B2 expression and hypertrophy. This initial cluster of gene expression associated predominantly with matrix assembly and onset of cell proliferation is therefore characterized by expression of regulatory molecules distinct from those involved at hypertrophy. Together these results identify separate phases of coordinated gene expression associated with the development of the physis in endochondral bone formation.

Cartilage-like gene expression in differentiated human stem cell spheroids: a comparison of bone marrow-derived and adipose tissue-derived stromal cells

OBJECTIVE

To compare the chondrogenic potential of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) and adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ATSC), because the availability of an unlimited cell source replacing human chondrocytes could be strongly beneficial for cell therapy, tissue engineering, in vitro drug screening, and development of new therapeutic options to enhance the regenerative capacity of human cartilage.

METHODS

Quantitative gene expression of common cartilage and cell interaction molecules was analyzed using complementary DNA array technology and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction during optimization of cell differentiation, in order to achieve a molecular phenotype similar to that of chondrocytes in cartilage.

RESULTS

The multilineage potential of BMSC and ATSC was similar according to cell morphology and histology, but minor differences in marker gene expression occurred in diverse differentiation pathways. Although chondrogenic differentiation of BMSC and ATSC was indistinguishable in monolayer and remained partial, only BMSC responded (with improved chondrogenesis) to a shift to high-density 3-dimensional cell culture, and reached a gene expression profile highly homologous to that of osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage.

CONCLUSION

Hypertrophy of chondrocytes and high matrix-remodeling activity in differentiated BMSC spheroids and in OA cartilage may be the basis for the strong similarities in gene expression profiles between these samples. Differentiated stem cell spheroids represent an attractive tool for use in drug development and identification of drug targets in OA cartilage-like tissue outside the human body. However, optimization of differentiation protocols to achieve the phenotype of healthy chondrocytes is desired for cell therapy and tissue engineering approaches.

Excessive degradation of type II collagen in articular cartilage in equine osteochondrosis

Articular osteochondrosis (OCD) occurs in both man and animals. The etiology remains to be determined. Studies of OCD lesions in animals may provide clues as to its pathogenesis. The aim of our study was to determine whether there was evidence for increased degradation namely proteoglycan (PG) release and type II collagen cleavage in articular cartilage harvested from OCD lesions. We examined ex vivo explants at post-mortem from equine OCD lesions and macroscopically normal site and age matched cartilage. These were cultured over a 10 day period in serum-free medium. Type II collagen cleavage was measured in articular cartilage and media using an Elisa assay to detect the COL2-3/4C(short) epitope, which is generated on cleavage of the triple helix of type II collagen by collagenases. PG release was measured by a dye-binding assay. Cumulative release of PG and COL2-3/4C(short) and their contents in cartilage at the end of the culture period were determined. In OCD lesions there was a significant increase in type II collagen cleavage by collagenase but no evidence for increase of PG degradation. These findings point to a selective increase in type II collagen cleavage by collagenases, in OCD lesions of the kind observed in osteoarthritis. Further work is needed to determine whether changes represent primary or secondary events in the pathogenesis of OCD.

Sites of collagenase cleavage and denaturation of type II collagen in aging and osteoarthritic articular cartilage and their relationship to the distribution of matrix metalloproteinase 1 and matrix metalloproteinase 13

OBJECTIVE

To determine the sites of cleavage and denaturation of type II collagen (CII) by collagenase(s) in healthy and osteoarthritic (OA) human articular cartilage and their relationship to the distribution of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) and MMP-13.

METHODS

Single (per subject) full-depth specimens from femoral condylar cartilage were isolated from articulating surfaces at autopsy from 8 subjects without arthritis and during arthroplasty from 10 patients with OA. Fixed frozen sections of cartilage were examined by immunoperoxidase localization, using antibodies to the collagenase-generated cleavage site in CII, to an intrachain epitope recognized only in denatured CII, and to MMP-1 and MMP-13 (proenzyme, activated enzyme, or enzyme/inhibitor complex).

RESULTS

Staining for collagen cleavage, denaturation, and both MMPs was weak to moderate and was frequently observed in pericellular sites in cartilage from younger, nonarthritic subjects. In specimens from older subjects, this staining was often more widespread and of greater intensity. Similar staining was usually, but not always, seen for all antibodies. In OA cartilage, staining was often stronger and more intense than that in normal cartilage from older subjects, and the distribution of staining was often similar for the different antibodies. Pericellular staining in the deep zone was frequently more pronounced in arthritic cartilage and extended to territorial and sometimes interterritorial sites. In very degenerate specimens, staining was distributed throughout most of the cartilage matrix.

CONCLUSION

These observations provide evidence for the presence of limited cleavage and denaturation of CII restricted to mainly pericellular and superficial sites in cartilage from younger, healthy subjects, where MMP-1 and MMP-13 are also selectively localized. Collagen degradation is more extensive and often more pronounced in cartilage from older, nonarthritic subjects. Characteristic changes in early OA are similar to those seen with aging in cartilage from older, healthy subjects, with collagen damage and collagenases concentrated closer to the articular surface. There was usually a close correspondence between the cleavage and denaturation of CII and the sites at which these collagenases were detected, suggesting that both MMPs are involved in the physiology and pathology. There was no evidence that the damage to CII is ordinarily initiated in sites other than at and near the articular surface and around chondrocytes.

Cyclooxygenase-2 regulates mesenchymal cell differentiation into the osteoblast lineage and is critically involved in bone repair

Preclinical and clinical studies suggest a possible role for cyclooxygenases in bone repair and create concerns about the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in patients with skeletal injury. We utilized wild-type, COX-1(-/-), and COX-2(-/-) mice to demonstrate that COX-2 plays an essential role in both endochondral and intramembranous bone formation during skeletal repair. The healing of stabilized tibia fractures was significantly delayed in COX-2(-/-) mice compared with COX-1(-/-) and wild-type controls. The histology was characterized by a persistence of undifferentiated mesenchyme and a marked reduction in osteoblastogenesis that resulted in a high incidence of fibrous nonunion in the COX-2(-/-) mice. Similarly, intramembranous bone formation on the calvaria was reduced 60% in COX-2(-/-) mice following in vivo injection of FGF-1 compared with either COX-1(-/-) or wild-type mice. To elucidate the mechanism involved in reduced bone formation, osteoblastogenesis was studied in bone marrow stromal cell cultures obtained from COX-2(-/-) and wild-type mice. Bone nodule formation was reduced 50% in COX-2(-/-) mice. The defect in osteogenesis was completely rescued by addition of prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)) to the cultures. In the presence of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2), bone nodule formation was enhanced to a similar level above that observed with PGE(2) alone in both control and COX-2(-/-) cultures, indicating that BMPs complement COX-2 deficiency and are downstream of prostaglandins. Furthermore, we found that the defect in COX-2(-/-) cultures correlated with significantly reduced levels of cbfa1 and osterix, two genes necessary for bone formation. Addition of PGE(2) rescued this defect, while BMP-2 enhanced cbfa1 and osterix in both COX-2(-/-) and wild-type cultures. Finally, the effects of these agents were additive, indicating that COX-2 is involved in maximal induction of osteogenesis. These results provide a model whereby COX-2 regulates the induction of cbfa1 and osterix to mediate normal skeletal repair.